Myoxocephalus aenaeus (Mitchill, 1814)

Coloration

Myoxocephalus aenaeus displays variable coloration, ranging from brown to gray, with darker saddle-shaped markings along its back.

Preoperculum and Gill Structure

The upper spine on its preoperculum is no more than twice the length of the lower spine, and there is no pore under the gills behind the last gill arch.

Fin and Size Characteristics

Its anal fin is supported by 9 to 11 soft rays, and this species reaches a maximum published total length of 18 centimeters (7.1 inches).

Distribution Range

Myoxocephalus aenaeus is native to the northwest Atlantic Ocean, and its range extends from Belle Isle and the Gulf of Saint Lawrence down to New Jersey.

Spawning Season Timeline

The spawning season of Myoxocephalus aenaeus starts in winter and continues into spring.

Spawning Location Progression

Spawning first takes place in coastal waters, then moves to offshore oceanic waters.

Coastal Spawning Period

Coastal spawning has only been reported to occur in winter and early spring.

Regional Spawning Timing Variation

In parts of the central Atlantic, spawning only takes place between February and May, but based on the presence of larvae in the Middle Atlantic Bight, spawning occurs there from March to June.